One of the significant advantages of remote work is that you’re not limited by geographical location or the local job market. By searching for remote work, you open the door to opportunities that may not be available if you were confined to your local job market.
However, as with any job search, finding remote work comes with its unique set of challenges. You need to demonstrate not only why you are the best candidate for the job, but also why you are the best candidate for working remotely.
Is it Easy To Find Remote Work?
Finding remote work can be both easy and challenging, depending on your approach and the industry you’re targeting.
On one hand, the rise of digital technology and the global shift towards flexible work arrangements have opened up numerous opportunities for remote positions. Websites like FlexJobs, Remote.co, and LinkedIn regularly feature remote job listings across various fields, making it easier to discover opportunities that align with your skills and experience.
However, the competition for remote jobs is intense, as these positions attract candidates from all over the world. To stand out, you need to craft a strong resume and cover letter that highlight your ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and communicate well in a virtual environment.
Demonstrating familiarity with remote work tools, such as project management software and video conferencing platforms, can also give you an edge.
Moreover, remote work requires a proactive approach to networking.
Engaging in online communities, attending virtual events, and connecting with professionals in your industry can lead to valuable job leads.
Read More Remote Work for Beginners
How to Find Remote Jobs
We’ve compiled some tips to help you find and apply for remote work online, along with best practices for success in your remote job search.
1. Understand the Meaning of Remote Work
It’s important to recognize the various terms associated with “remote work” when searching for job opportunities that meet your criteria.
Here are some common terms for remote work:
- Agile workforce: A flexible and adaptable workforce.
- Distributed workforce: Your entire team or company works remotely.
- Virtual job: All your work is done online or in a virtual office.
- Work from home: This one is pretty straightforward—you work from home.
- Work from anywhere: A remote job without geographical restrictions.
Of course, there are many other phrases that mean “remote work.” Knowing some of the more common terms will help you target your job search.
“Pay attention to the terms used by companies in job listings,” advise career experts at FlexJobs. They suggest noting that companies in your industry or job field may use the word ‘telecommute’ more often than ‘remote’ or ‘virtual.’ Understanding these differences can help you focus your job search using the keywords that best match your career goals.
2. Search for Remote Jobs Online
Now that you understand what to look for in remote job postings, the next step is knowing where and how to find these jobs. While some job boards cover a variety of job types, if you’re interested in remote work, it’s advisable to search for job search platforms that focus on flexible and remote jobs, such as FlexJobs.
And if you want to expand your search options, try these tips:
- Review company career pages and look for phrases like “work-life balance” and “flexibility.”
- Tap into your network to see who you know that already works remotely. You might be surprised! Ask them how they found their remote job and for any tips.
- Consider leveraging AI in your job search, which can speed up the process, offer more personalized job matches, and help you craft application materials tailored more quickly.
What Remote Jobs Are Available? Remote jobs can be full-time, part-time, freelance, or contract-based. Certain fields of work are also more suitable for remote work than others. Many work-from-home jobs focus on data entry, customer service, and IT, but there are often positions in a wide range of other categories, such as:
- Accounting & Finance
- Education & Training
- Marketing
- Medical & Health
- Sales
While many of these jobs are full-time, don’t forget to look at contract, part-time, or freelance positions. Opting for non-full-time work allows you to balance work and family life. They are also a great way to try out a new career or test the waters of remote work.
3. Apply for Remote Jobs
You’re ready to apply for remote jobs once you’ve found them. This means crafting thoughtful and well-written cover letters and resumes tailored for remote positions. However, your cover letter and resume for remote jobs should showcase more than just your experience and skills.
Sell Your Skills If you have experience working remotely, mention it in your cover letter and resume. However, if you don’t, you may need to seek out relevant work experiences that utilize your remote skills.
Start by talking to clients and colleagues. Are they currently working remotely? If so, have you organized meetings across different locations? Collaborated on projects? How did you accomplish these tasks? What apps did you use? Discuss your achievements in this area.
Even if you’ve never worked with someone outside your office, you might possess the skills needed to succeed as a remote worker. Generally, employers offering remote jobs ask applicants to demonstrate:
- Comfort with technology
- Proactive communication skills
- Self-motivation and focus
- Task and time management
Consider the skills that show how you motivate yourself. Were there projects you completed with minimal guidance or supervision? How did you tackle these? What did you do to stay on top of everything? How about personal projects you initiated? What motivated you to start and complete them?
Additionally, your resume should include a skills section related to technology, as being comfortable with technology and solving basic issues are crucial for remote work.
List the programs you’re familiar with, such as standard software like QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, or Salesforce, as well as remote-specific programs like web and video conferencing tools, online chat, document sharing, project management, collaboration tools, and more.
A personal inventory might reveal that you have far more skills than you realize, making you an excellent candidate for the position.
4. Find Legitimate Remote Jobs in the Right Places
Knowing where to find vetted remote jobs online and how to distinguish one type of remote job from another is crucial to finding legitimate remote work and avoiding scams.
Not All Jobs Are the Same Many remote jobs are a hybrid of in-office and remote work, so make sure to read job descriptions carefully to avoid applying for jobs that require you to work remotely only three days a week.
Moreover, many fully remote work-from-home jobs have location requirements. This could be a country, state, or even city. There are several reasons why location restrictions exist for remote jobs, including:
- Clients: Remote work doesn’t mean never meeting clients face-to-face. If you work in sales, for instance, and are responsible for a customer region, you may need to live close to them to facilitate meetings.
- Laws: Licensing requirements or government regulations may limit companies to and from certain locations.
- Taxes: Companies may only be able to pay taxes on employees in certain states.
- Travel: Some remote jobs may require business travel, which might make living near an airport a necessity.
How to Find Legitimate Remote Jobs? Unfortunately, remote jobs tend to attract scams. Some common scams include but are not limited to:
- Testing or reshipping products
- Rebate processing
- Mystery shopping
When searching for remote jobs, watch out for red flags, such as:
- The ad says things like, “Unlimited earning potential,” “Investment opportunities and seminars,” or “Quick money.”
- The job requires upfront fees from you.
- You are asked for personal financial information (such as your Social Security number or birth date) early in the interview process or as part of your initial application.
- You are offered a job without an interview or anyone contacting you or asking for your references.
If the job description, website, or even the recruiter seems suspicious, it probably is. Trust your instincts and do your research before parting with any personal information. Start by researching the company. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are good places to start.
You can also use a search engine to look up the company name plus the word “scam” to see what comes up.
5. Master Your Remote Job Interview
Preparing for a remote job interview may be similar to preparing for any other interview, but certain situations require specific preparation.
Remote Interview Tips & Strategies For the most part, remote interviews involve phone or video calls. If you want to showcase your tech skills, this is a great opportunity.
However, don’t forget the practical aspects of remote interviews. For example, if you know you’ll need an internet connection to attend the interview, make sure you have a reliable one.
Wi-Fi and cellular connections are fine, but it’s usually safer to use a wired internet connection. If necessary, download and test your connection. Is your equipment working well?
Additionally, consider the location of your interview. Does the company have a headquarters? Is it professional? Check the area behind and around you. Make sure it’s clean and tidy. If you don’t have an office in your home, is there a place where you can stay calm?
Practice answering questions on camera for a video interview, either by yourself or with a friend who’s willing to help. Once you have everything set up, practice delivering your answers aloud while looking at your computer camera.
Practicing before the interview will help you feel more prepared for the real one, as it can initially be challenging to get used to. Consider these factors in advance so you’re ready to go when the time comes.
Read More Pros and Cons of Remote Work
To Increase Your hances of Finding Remote Work, Consider the Following Tips ( Bonus )
- Update your resume: Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and emphasize your ability to work independently.
- Network: Connect with people in your industry, both online and in person, to learn about potential opportunities.
- Use online job boards: There are many job boards that specialize in remote work, such as FlexJobs, Remote.co, and We Work Remotely.
- Reach out to companies directly: Many companies are now open to hiring remote workers. Research companies in your industry and reach out to their HR departments.
- Consider freelance work: If you’re unable to find a full-time remote job, consider freelancing as a way to earn income while working remotely.
